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03 January 2025

Major Trends To Watch For 2025 And Beyond

Technological innovation and sustainability take center stage as industries prepare for significant changes.

Looking toward the future, 2025 promises to be transformative for various sectors, with innovative trends forecasted to reshape industries. From marketing to healthcare, the integration of technology and sustainability is expected to influence how companies operate and connect with consumers.

One of the most significant shifts predicted is the rise of Collective Creator Marketing Power. According to the Artlist Trend Report 2025, brands are moving from traditional influencer marketing to strategic collaborations with groups of creators. This transition aims to achieve greater authenticity and reach by leveraging diverse voices within collective campaigns. Notably, 64% of consumers reported they would switch brands if endorsed by trusted creators, underscoring the effectiveness of this strategy.

But marketing isn’t the only area anticipating revolutionary changes. The healthcare sector is also primed for significant evolution. Analysts from Gartner, IDC, and KPMG predict shifting focuses toward governance frameworks around the use of AI and analytics. Generative AI (GenAI), which dominated discussions throughout 2024, will likely continue to gain traction, as organizations transition from pilot programs to real-world applications. The number of healthcare organizations implementing GenAI-powered clinical decision support systems is increasing, but challenges remain around demonstrating ROI and establishing effective governance.

AI's potential to streamline workflows and improve patient care is evident. While the technology promises enhancements to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and overall efficiency, the need for clear governance structures is becoming increasingly apparent. Stakeholders, under pressure from business and clinical leaders, strive to establish paths for valuable AI applications. "Most health systems don’t want to be the first to do this kind of work," states Jeff Cribbs, vice president at Gartner. This hesitance emphasizes the necessity for proven success stories to guide implementation.

Meanwhile, on the technology front, advancements are being mirrored within climate technology. PitchBook's 2024 Carbon & Emissions Tech Report indicates significant growth in climate tech investments, particularly within infrastructure and energy-related startups. This sector remains resilient amid broader economic challenges, attracting corporate investments aimed at accelerating deployment and scaling solutions. Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is playing an increasingly pivotal role, as corporate investors are drawn to climate tech’s potential for sustainable returns.

Innovations within climate tech are also exceeding traditional boundaries, as expressed by Ludovic Copéré from Sony Ventures. He notes the intersection of large language models with the physical world, creating investments focused on generating “novel chemistries” and empowering new applications. Startups are beginning to explore the combination of next-generation sensing with AI models, allowing for rapid advancement across energy solutions and material development.

The apparel and textiles industry is also responding to consumer demands for sustainability. Hyosung’s Fashion Design Center's recent report outlines predicted trends shaping future collections. This includes the movement toward materials supporting eco-accountability and embracing wellness-oriented travel experiences. Consumers are showing preferences for brands demonstrating responsibility and transparency, pushing the industry toward more sustainable practices.

Hyosung's report emphasizes three core trends: Wellness Travel, Quiet Outdoors, and Eco-Accountability. Brands are embracing these themes to create apparel reflecting minimalist, functional designs emphasizing sustainability. Companies are predicted to prioritize planet-friendly raw materials, signaling a shift toward less environmentally impactful production methods, especially as regulations intensify.

While the euphoria surrounding advancements creates opportunities, it also raises eyebrows about privacy. The discussion around data privacy is intensifying, particularly as more devices collect extensive consumer data. Analysts predict increased scrutiny from policymakers as tech usage becomes more ubiquitous.

Finally, as innovation persists amid this rapidly shifting climate, the convergence of AI, sustainability, and consumer-driven initiatives forms the foundation for 2025. Each predicted trend encapsulates the overarching themes where technology is not just seen as a tool, but as an integral partner driving industries forward.

The coming year will not only challenge organizations to adapt to technological advancements but will also compel them to embrace sustainable practices fostering trust and loyalty among consumers.